Tony Award-Winning Actress Melba Moore Coming To Roselle

ROSELLE —Tony Award-winner and R&B sensation Melba Moore will come to Roselle this Saturday in preparation for her September performance of the stage play “Straight2the Head,” at Newark Symphony Hall.

Moore will have a costume fitting at Rene’s Fashion Design Boutique, a costume sponsor of Face-N-Drama community and drama club. Moore’s June 1 visit to Roselle is the first in a series of area appearances in advance of her September performance.

“Melba Moore is one of New Jersey’s favorite daughters,” said Roselle Mayor Jamel C. Holley of the Newark native. “She climbed her way up and found stardom, but she never forgot where she came from. We’re thrilled to welcome her to back to Roselle,” he said.

Moore will be fitted with two outfits and a hat, according to Rene Rasheed, owner of Rene’s Fashion, located at 1023 Chestnut Street in Roselle. Details of the costumes, however, will remain unknown until the actual fitting.

“What we’ll do is sit down with Melba, take her measurements and then we’ll give her a recommendation that’s tailored to her needs,” Rasheed said. “She’s always been one of my favorites and we’re so excited to be able to work with her in this capacity.”

Tasia Blocker, executive director of Face-N-Drama, said it was important to have a local retailer sponsor Moore’s wardrobe. “When you have a local business that can provide star-quality garments, then why would you go anywhere else?” she said.

“It’s important to have support from local businesses and communities to help realize all that goes into this type of performance, from facilities to rehearsals to wardrobe,” Blocker said. “It’s all local.”

A black-tie Straight2the Head launch party will be held August 17 at The Loft at 47 Edison Place in Newark and the play will take place September 14 and 15 at Newark Symphony Hall at 1020 Broad Street in Newark. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling (973) 643-8014, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.